This late in the football season, as the Red Raiders begin preparation for their final game of the regular season, you just have to play the hand you're dealt.

The injury problems aren't as bad as last season entering the same 12th game against Baylor at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, but there are some injuries Texas Tech is dealing with and the Bears are riding in hot after upsetting former No. 1 Kansas State. It's a rough break but the Red Raiders have to play through it.

Here is a perfect opportunity for the Tech coaching staff to demonstrate first and foremost the ability to motivate, find the right game plan which has not been a problem in theory all season and to show the ability of being able to juggle a fairly banged up roster.